Today marks the exact 50 year anniversary of the epic first boxing bout, between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, which “Smokin Joe” won in a 15 round decision.

It was a great bout, between a magnificent pugilist and transcendent figure Ali and his best opponent, the “always at you,” hard working, tremendous Frazier.

Electricity was in the air at a great venue, Madison Square Garden that Monday night March 8, 1971. Frank Sinatra was taking photographs and the NBA Knicks who played there, had won the most recent and first of their two NBA titles, another Frazier (Walt) scoring 36 points in the ultimate game, but being denied MVP honors as it went to another great player, Willis Reed, who scored 4 points in that #7/NBA final in 1970.

Just as with the 50/50 Senate vote days back, which does not augur well nor say much about our system, the result 50 years ago tonight was at first and still not a good one for me. However, just as Ali overcame and came back to not only win the next 2 bouts vs again, a man I respect so much, (Joe Frazier) though his win 50 years ago tonight devastated me because I loved Ali, the 50/50 vote, still gets many people, including me, much needed help.

Yet Ali fought too long, took too many blows and both he and Frazier did not live long enough. If we continue to only see things our way and not at least consider the other side, an already bad situation in this “what might have been” country, will get worse.

Then Joe Frazier picked the “exiled” Ali (need I cite what injustice that was!!) up in his vehicle and they “wrapped” hilariously from I guess Philadelphia to New York. This was circa 1970 and they knew the good and bad that would manifest from a bout between the two of them, easily the two best in the world in their violent activity.

Now, perhaps at a designated cloud, part of the HEAVEN complex, a phenomenal vehicle goes through time, emotions and likely possibility, to yield Ali and Frazier’s love and respect for each other. They watch their descendants from above, the earth and despite some progress (some of it clearly no good–witness a blowhard (dis)like S.A. Smith getting the “keys to the kingdom.”) this country still full of the black vs white (God/G-d/force created each and why can they get along on a cookie, but too often, not as human beings?!!) that marketed Joe vs Muhammad. (Of course both Joe and Muhammad are/were Black but most marketing feasts on the every “Tom”/Dick and Harry approach that along with our indifference allows their “dumbing down” and methodically draws us to buy both their product and their “B.S.”)

In truth, as with all of us, each man had flaws. I will always love Ali and also love the deep down, largely hidden respect, if not love, he had for Frazier. I hope there are no impoverished/unfortunate in heaven, but if there are, Ali and Frazier will pay a visit and help a bit, just as I believe they did on that car ride, now so long ago.

Again a dream in which I need to get some place, however, am not able to do so. In this case it is too late and I am too tired to drive home.

Thus I ask “B.D.” if I can stay over, he retorts what do you mean “WE?” There is no we, that is one REAL problem, a major, seemingly timeless one (the loneliest #).

Somehow, I am in the elevator and among those there is the great player and basketball expert, Jerry West.

Though I have trouble getting a shoe or a sneaker on, I enter a small gathering, I guess of the Lakers. (In real life after I saw a less than 10 year old Jeannie Buss with her aunt, in the Forum parking lot, her dad Dr. Jerry Buss arriving soon after with a beautiful woman on his arm and in a limousine, said “come on in” to me as I was able to attend the Lakers’ title winning party that Sunday May 18, 1980).

Back to the dream, another Lakers’ great Michael Cooper is sitting at a far table, drinking soda, while I see no great place to sit. Once “Coop” said to Angela and me in an interview we did, that she and I would get married on the next May 18th. He actually evoked Pat Riley, adding a “guarantee.”

Somehow he was a BIT prescient as Angela married another on May 19th, two plus years later. Soon it will 30 years after that date.

Angela, who knows how angry my mother was in her dream after she died–betrayed by a half brother, his controlling, evil wife and a system that allowed a nursing home, Schnurmacher in White Plains, New York, coincidentally with the much admired by me, Mario Cuomo’s endorsement in view–(of Cuomos, both of whom this Andrew supports, and nursing homes. We can not afford to lose Andrew but a “dream” and even it would not make up for it, would be for Cuomo, the current and alive governor, to denounce Schnurmacher and the laws that abuse the elderly and help change them. Let some good come of this, but of course, I have no power and no real “forum,” not exactly a “fabulous” situation), espoused some views 180 degrees apart from mine days back. Sure it likely would not have “gone great distance,” however, she is still my friend.

On we go, a vaccine today, no return calls from some women I truly admire and in that vein, this “women would have done better/”no is no” evolved, so often rejected (by women) guy, calls for common sense in the current movement, in the hope of change for the better regarding all those less fortunate and victims of injustice (that surely includes me, owed 10 K’s by various people and shunned/rejected/ignored by some others).

Alas above the somewhat disjointed, raw thoughts and hopes of a dreamer, one who does so with some memory thereof while sleeping and so/too often, while awake!!

Today a classic episode of “What’s My Line?” which aired on December 20, 1953.

Kirk Douglas is the mystery guest.

Panelists are Dorothy Kilgallen, Peter Lind Hayes, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.

John Charles Daly is the host.

Enjoy watching.

A bit rough these days with certain realizations, however, I opt for the two vaccines, despite fear of feeling bad in the second one’s aftermath.

Earlier “That Girl” on Antenna T.V. (reduced to it, though it was a good show and I shut it right off) is about Marlo Thomas’ “Ann Marie,” (full name, not just her first) hiring a press agent, played by Jesse White, who was intro’d on and as one of the “100 stars” part 3 and for so long was the “Maytag repair man.”

Tonight all about a press agent and that world in the brilliant, written by Ernest Lehman, “Sweet Smell of Success.” It airs on TCM at 8 P.M. Eastern Time. Do not miss it, especially if you have not seen it. 

Next, struggling and reading on this thing called a phone/internet, Jerry West is touched by and was close to Kobe Bryant, who of course died just over 13 months ago, a beginning to a very bad span.

Also dead in that crash, people named Altobelli. I was reminded of that fact after also reading that Joe Altobelli, who guided the Orioles to their last crown in ’83 and also as many as Earl Weaver did, died at age 88.

Push hard, stop eating, get out and walk, knowing it is a world in which people do not return calls and care about themselves.

One more and a cessation of complaining. In a Brian Aherne led “Twilight Zone” about an actor “Booth-an actor/assassin’s name if there ever was one–Templeton,” the young, firm director is an actor, who eventually turned great director, Sydney Pollack.

“That’s All Folks.”

The above, a little different than the “Bugs” opening theme video, posted weeks back. 

Today I am so happy and inspired, having heard Debbie Wasserman Schultz speak as The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center presented a “Zoom” meeting as part of their excellent “Women Inspiring Women” series.

Of course, I agree with her politically and part of the inspiration is inherent in the values, Ms. Wasserman Schultz espouses, most notably, caring for and helping others, usually the less fortunate among us.

Also inspiring and you “caring for money only,” likely Republicans (sorry typical fiscal Republicans–you allowed the “pig of pigs,” to take over your party and still kiss his fat a–, so you lose the little moral high ground you had) unfortunately might use and that is a belief in yourself.

I needed it and still do. If you get it or have it, it is so powerful!!

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, blessed with a wonderful husband named Steve, living wonderful parents and 3 children has done good with it. I hope I get it and do! Those just wanting “the bread,” you will learn giving is better!!

Mind you all three were in the Dodgers’ spring training complex area that March day in 1989 when I interviewed among others, (Mike Huff, I believe a career minor leaguer and Franklin Stubbs), pitchers Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, John Podres, Claude Osteen and Burt Hooton. However, the coincidences of their “backround appearances” astound if not “message” me, these 32 years later, which was the time between the Dodgers 6th and last year’s “in a 50 game reg” 7th crown.

While talking with Sandy and citing his first 18 strikeout game and just after or before Sandy references it with “18,” number 18 Bill Russell, a long time Dodgers’ shortstop and a fine player, walks by behind Sandy and me to get on the practice field.

I am about to end the interview with “Big D”/Don Drysdale when I know I must reference Kirk Gibson and Mr. Drysdale’s call on his epic home run, as Kirk had walked behind us.

Yesterday in watching my chat with Burt Hooton a 4 game winner during the strike caused 3 round ‘offs of 1981, I saw that Burt at first, said his game 2/1978 W.S. win (of course the Yankees came back to title and it seemingly will forever haunt because as with Trump’s win in ’16, I had no “protection” see God/G-d/the force seems to demand it, however I have begun to “stand up,” NOT easy, especially at this late date but on we go) that put L.A. up (2-0) ended with Bob Welch getting Reggie SMITH out, when ’twas Reggie Jackson.

So help me, not long after Reggie Smith is seen in the backround. Perhaps there is a reason, minimum those in total three, are quite a coincidence, if not a sign.

Anyway, I read it go on!!

Last night, thanks to Gary Mintz and The New York Giants Preservation Society, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the legendary sportswriter and I believe national treasure, Jerry Izenberg regale the rather large “Zoom” audience, with great stories and information.

Next, a brief recap from Gary Mintz and a link to books by Mr. Izenberg. There will be much more here regarding Mr. Izenberg in the days ahead.

From Gary Mintz, The President of the New York Giants Preservation Society:

What a great evening last night as close to 60 NYGPS Members attended our Zoom meeting with legendary sports journalist Jerry Izenberg.  Jerry discussed his relationships with Monte Irvin (Who would have been 102 yesterday) and Larry Doby, as well as discussing his illustrious career. Jerry also discussed some of the books he has authored and here they are:

 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JERRY+IZENBERG&ref=nb_sb_noss

Today, a classic episode of “What’s My Line?” that aired on March 11, 1962.

The mystery guests were Sargent Shriver and Van Cliburn.

Panelists were Dorothy Kilgallen, Tony Randall, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.

John Charles Daly is the show’s host.

Certainly thoughts on the life and tragic death of John F. Kennedy abound as surely Shriver, Cliburn and Kilgallen evoke such memories.

Life goes on, mine to attempts to survive, hopefully others to be more giving and thoughtful.

In “reviewing” Sal Maglie’s no hit game, which was in a crucial game, in another great pennant race (the likes of which we are denied by the wild card presence), in 1956, I learned what I think are incredible/”wow” facts/coincidences.

Simply and for once succinct here, Maglie’s no hitter in a Brooklyn Dodgers’ September 25, 1956 win vs the Philadelphia Phillies, occurred 13 days before Don Larsen’s perfect game vs Brooklyn, whose starting pitcher in that (2-0), pivotal game 5 Yankees’ win was Maglie.

In the ninth inning of Maglie’s no hitter, the great catcher and player, Roy Campanella makes a very good catch on a foul pop up near the Brooklyn Dodgers’ dugout. It is Dale Mitchell, (cited here just days back in another juxtaposition/coincidence regarding the ’48 W.S. and of course the Larsen perfect game) who helps him from falling.

The “of course” an exaggeration and it refers to the fact Larsen got Mitchell on a called third strike to complete his perfect game.

After “Campy’s” nice play, the Phils next batter, a pitcher, but a good hitter was Harvey Haddix. Need I “type” more.

Of course I do, as Rabbi Wise often intoned “do not confuse ignorance with stupidity,” and I add that while some younger people today knowing so little about history, not sports history, but say this country’s history is not good–not knowing that about two and a half years later, Harvey Haddix lost in what was not so arguably the best pitched game in big league’s history.

He hurled 12 perfect innings, but mound opponent that May 26, 1959 Lew Burdette also allowed no runs, in fact he did so for 13 innings and when his Milwaukee Braves’ team, (have to?– cite they were the team Brooklyn beat out in the above referenced, great N.L. race in 1956 and that the second year version of L.A. Dodgers, did same in a playoff that ’59 season. In between they won it all in ’57 and were denied in 7 by the Yankees, reversing the ’57 result, except that the Yankees overcame a (3-1) W.S. deficit to do so. No matter, despite underachieving, those Braves teams which included such as Henry Aaron, Ed Mathews, and Warren Spahn were truly great) scored B13 (the rather strange details another time), Haddix and his Pirates, who were to be World Champions the next season, also in a 7 game W.S. but one whose game 7 was so dramatic, and with Harvey Haddix getting the win in a relief pitching role, lost the game.